ELITE Welsh road runners are heading for one of Carmarthenshire’s most popular open spaces.
It could be the forerunner of many more major athletic championships for Pembrey Country Park which is growing in stature for such events.
With its spectacular setting of countryside and woodland bordered by the expansive Blue Flag Cefn Sidan beach, Pembrey Country Park is for the first time hosting the prestigious 2017 Welsh Athletics Road Relay Championships on September 16th.
It is being hailed as a great opportunity to showcase the county’s athletic talent against Wales’ best.
The event provides the opportunity for both established and up and coming endurance runners in Wales to compete against each other in a competitive team format. Races include a primary school challenge, full junior programme, men’s, women’s and veteran’s races.
It is anticipated that all junior age groups titles will be strongly contested, with junior athletes from local club Carmarthen Harriers to the fore. It is anticipated that local athlete and Welsh cross-country champion Dewi Griffiths will be competing in the senior category.
The Saturday (Sept 16th) event starting at 11:30am builds on the success of the Gwent Cross Country League which was held in the park in March and returns in December this year.
Executive board member for culture, leisure and tourism, Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, said: “We are very proud to welcome Welsh Athletics and all competitors in the Welsh Road Relays to Carmarthenshire and to Pembrey. The park is the ideal venue for this prestigious national competition.
“Welsh Athletics anticipate over 2,000 athletes and supporters will be attracted to what will be a great spectacle for regular park users and visitors alike.”
Pembrey County Park has been transformed into one of Wales’s top visitor attractions providing a unique blend of coast and countryside. Eight-miles of golden sands set against the spectacular backdrop of Gower and overlooking the coastal scenery of Carmarthen Bay. The park is open daily and entry is charged at £5 per vehicle.
